Djokovic makes Australian Open history

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after victory in his men's singles final against Britain's Andy Murray on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2013. (AFP Photo/Greg Wood)

There is only one tennis player to have won the Australian Open three times in a row in the sport’s open era and his name is Novak Djokovic. The Serb gave Andy Murray no chance in Sunday’s decider - 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The world No. 1 won a rematch of the 2011 final, worsening Murray’s career record to five losses in six Grand Slam finals.

Both players kept their serve throughout the opening two sets and only tiebreakers could separate the players. The first went to Murray after Djokovic made a double fault in the beginner and Murray never offered him an opportunity to make a return break – 7-2. Just over an hour later, Djokovic’s time came to respond as he breezed past Murray – 7-3.

The Serb went on to break Murray for the first time early in the third, which was just enough to take the lead in the match.And he built on his success as Murray looked tired and was broken two more times on the way to Djokovic’s third consecutive triumph Down Under.

"I would like to congratulate Novak. His record here is obviously incredible," Murray told the crowd during the trophy ceremony.

"What a joy. It’s an incredible feeling to win this trophy again," said Djokovic, who also grabbed a record $2.5 million in prize money. "This is definitely my favorite Grand Slam. I love this tournament. I love this court.

"I have to congratulate Andy and thank him,” he said. "We have played so many great matches in the last two years. Bad luck for tonight, but I wish you best of luck for the season."